A bicycle crash involving a vehicle can leave anyone shaken, confused, and unsure about what steps to take next. Many people search for answers by asking, “I got hit by a car on my bike, what should I do?” because they need clear, trustworthy guidance during a frightening situation.
Knowing how to respond protects your health, preserves important evidence, and strengthens any injury claim you may pursue. Support from experienced counsel can help you navigate the days and weeks after a collision.
At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming this experience feels. Our Richmond bicycle accident lawyers draw from decades of trial work, including years spent defending insurance companies.
That background provides us with unique insight into insurance strategies, common arguments, and the tactics often employed against injured cyclists. Today, we use that knowledge to support individuals throughout Richmond who have been harmed by negligent drivers.
What Steps Should You Take If You Are Hit a Bike by a Car?
A calm and organized response after a crash can make a meaningful difference in your physical recovery and potential claim. These steps help protect your well-being and preserve evidence.
1. Seek Medical Care Right Away
An immediate medical evaluation is essential, even when injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can hide pain, and some severe conditions develop gradually.
Creating clear medical documentation also helps establish a connection between your injuries and the collision. At our firm, we understand that a minor impact does not necessarily mean a minor injury, especially for cyclists.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Request police assistance at the scene. Officers will gather statements, document the crash, and generate a formal report. That report often becomes essential evidence in bicycle accident claims handled in Virginia.
3. Gather Information at the Scene
If you can safely move around the area, collect details such as:
- Driver’s name and contact information;
- Insurance company and policy number;
- Vehicle tag number;
- Photographs of injuries, property damage, traffic signs, and surroundings; and
- Names of witnesses.
These facts help establish how the collision occurred and support your version of events.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault
Remain calm and avoid admitting fault or guessing about responsibility. Virginia’s contributory negligence rule is strict, and insurers sometimes try to use statements made at the scene to reduce or deny claims. Whether someone acted negligently is usually a decision for a jury, not the insurance adjuster.
5. Contact an Attorney
Reaching out to a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney early helps protect your rights and prevents missteps that insurers may use against you.
Legal counsel can preserve video evidence, obtain police reports, communicate with insurance companies, and help you understand whether the facts support a claim. Proper guidance reduces stress and helps create a clear plan for the next stages of your case.
Taking these steps helps protect your health, preserve crucial evidence, and support any future claim. Having this structure in place makes it easier to focus on healing while your case continues moving forward.
Should You Report the Crash to Insurance?
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of an accident. When notifying your insurer, keep your description factual and straightforward.
Many injured cyclists worry about what to say and wonder whether discussing symptoms could harm their case. A brief notification usually satisfies policy requirements.
When a cyclist has been hit on their bike by a car, insurance companies can sometimes use statements from you to later challenge the claim.
For this reason, many clients choose to have counsel handle communications with insurers. That approach protects against accidental misstatements and ensures consistent, accurate information is provided.
What Injuries Are Common in Bicycle Accidents?
Cyclists face a significant risk of injury because their bodies absorb the full force of impact. Bicycle crashes frequently result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Deep cuts and abrasions,
- Spinal injuries,
- Internal trauma,
- Severe psychological stress, and
- Fatal injuries.
Medical treatment often lasts weeks or months. Recovery can involve physical therapy, imaging studies, surgery, and other forms of care. Emotional distress may persist long after physical injuries heal.
Do You Need a Richmond Bike Accident Lawyer?
Guidance from a Richmond bike accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. Bicycle crashes involve complex factual questions and legal issues.
These cases also require careful examination of Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, which insurers frequently use to deny claims. Our attorneys understand how to evaluate evidence and present clear arguments to support injured cyclists.
Legal representation may involve:
- Investigating the collision,
- Reviewing video or photographs,
- Obtaining witness statements,
- Preserving important physical evidence,
- Coordinating medical documentation,
- Identifying all insurance coverage, and
- Preparing the case for trial.
Support from an attorney helps riders focus on recovery rather than dealing with stressful negotiations.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Bicycle Accident?
A successful bicycle accident claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Lost income,
- Reduced earning ability,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional harm,
- Permanent disability, and
- Wrongful death damages for families in the event of death.
Evaluating a case requires understanding the physical harm, financial impact, and the available insurance coverage. Insurance limits often restrict settlement values, so identifying every applicable policy is essential.
Our firm takes a careful and detailed approach to analyzing coverage, ensuring our clients have realistic expectations about the financial aspects of their case.
How Does Contributory Negligence Affect Your Claim?
Virginia follows a contributory negligence standard. If an injured cyclist is found even slightly at fault, recovery may be denied entirely. Many riders hear this rule and assume they have no claim.
In reality, determining negligence is usually a jury issue, not a matter insurers should decide unilaterally. Our trial experience is especially important in these situations.
We know how to present evidence clearly, counter common defense arguments, and show why the driver, not the cyclist, caused the crash. That preparation helps strengthen the case and protect your rights.
How Long Do Bicycle Accident Cases Take?
Timelines depend on the severity of the injury, the availability of evidence, and the speed at which medical records are received. Our team aims to resolve claims or file suit within two months after treatment ends, provided we receive all necessary documents.
However, three months is often a more realistic timeframe. This timeframe allows us to gather documentation, analyze insurance coverage, and prepare the case effectively.
Do You Have a Claim After Being Hit While Riding a Bike?
You may have a claim if the driver:
- Failed to yield,
- Drove while distracted,
- Ignored traffic signals,
- Passed too closely,
- Turned into a bicycle’s path, or
- Entered or blocked the bike lane.
Determining whether you have a claim requires a thorough review of the facts and an understanding of how Virginia law applies. Our attorneys carefully evaluate each case and provide straightforward, honest guidance grounded in experience.
Why Choose Merrick Brock, PLLC After a Bicycle Accident?
Clients who come to us receive direct communication with our attorneys, thoughtful case evaluation, and steady support throughout the process.
Our firm’s background in defending insurers provides us with a clear understanding of their strategies, enabling us to anticipate potential arguments and prepare effective responses. We rely on thorough investigation, careful analysis, and trial-ready preparation.
Our approach focuses on:
- Clear communication,
- Careful evidence review,
- Thorough insurance analysis,
- Consistent follow-through, and
- Honest guidance about expectations.
We take pride in helping Richmond residents during difficult and uncertain times.
Speak with a Richmond Bike Accident Lawyer Today
Guidance from experienced counsel can make a meaningful difference after a bicycle accident. If you’re asking, “I got hit by a car on my bike, what should I do?” speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and chart a path forward.
Contact Merrick Brock to speak directly with the attorneys who will handle your case from start to finish. Our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.